When a natural disaster strikes the Bay Area will you be ready to help your loved ones? Earthquakes, wildfires and floods are all imminent possibilities so now is the time to get everyone in your family prepared. Classes for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Disaster Preparedness Training, and Search & Rescue (SAR) are now available.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

In the event of an emergency, our first responders will be overwhelmed. It is critical for citizens to be prepared to take care of themselves and their community. Join your local CERT team and become a citizen first responder. CERT training is important to help fill the gap between a disaster or emergency, and the arrival of professional services. The cost is $45 and includes a backpack, goggles, helmet and an identification card upon completion. Scholarships are available. Classes are 18 hours and usually scheduled on weekends in 5 locations in Marin County. Registration and more information can be found at www.readymarin.org or call 415-485-3409.

Classes start:

• Novato February 11, 2015
• Kentfield March 14, 2015
• San Rafael April 11, 2015
• Mill Valley April 18, 2015
• Nicasio May 16, 2015
• Novato August 6, 2015
• San Rafael September 12, 2015
• Mill Valley October 7, 2015

Disaster Preparedness Training

Do you have the supplies necessary for your family for 5-7 days? Learn how much water you need, how to build a family emergency kit, and means of communication in an emergency. Preparedness information can be found at www.readymarin.org or through a Get Ready class. Listed below is the Get Ready contact information to learn more about classes available in your neighborhood. Classes can be requested for your neighborhood or special interest group.

• Belvedere/Tiburon, 415 435-7386
• Bolinas, 415 868-1566
• Corte Madera, 415 927-5797
• Inverness, 415 669-7151
• Kentfield/Greenbrae, 415 453-7464
• Larkspur, 415 927-5007, call to request for your neighborhood.
• Marin City, 415 473-7610
• Marinwood, 415 479-0122
• Mill Valley, getready@smfd.org, 415-389-4138
• Point Reyes, 415 663-1018
• Novato, emergencyservices@novato.org, 415 897-4361
• Ross Valley/Ross, 415 258-4686
• San Geronimo, 415 499-6717
• San Rafael, 415 485-5067
• Southern Marin, getready@smfd.org, 415 389-4138
• Stinson Beach, 415 868-0622
• Tomales, 707 878-2464

Search & Rescue (SAR)

To become part of Marin County Search and Rescue you need to be 14 years or over. Most callouts involve wilderness searches in rugged terrain. K9 Unit and Underwater SAR is also available. Members to have above average endurance and to feel comfortable in the great outdoors. Searching can be very rewarding, but also draining, both physically and emotionally. Members are trained in emergency medical systems, rope rescue, map and compass navigation, search techniques, tracking, and more. The next application deadline is February 20th, 2015! For all other questions Email Recruiting Coordinator.